Bruno Metsu's side landed a maiden Gulf Cup crown with a 1-0 victory over Oman in January, but have now turned their attentions to the AFC Asian Cup Group B encounter at the My Dinh National Stadium.

Haidar was ever-present as Al Wahda reached the last eight of the AFC Champions League as Group A winners, but the 27-year-old full-back is now looking to get down to action with the national team.

"Our team is ready in terms of preparation and we just want to play in the first game," he said.

"We are very confident, but the first game will be difficult against the home team. We will all try our best and let the result take care of itself.

"The Gulf Cup win has given the team a lot of confidence, but each competition has a different strategy and we came here prepared in another way, not a Gulf Cup way.

"We are just aiming to do our best in this competition and put the Gulf Cup in the past."

The UAE will also face two-time defending champions Japan and 2006 Asian Games gold medalists Qatar in Group B and will look to claim top spot to avoid a potential quarter-final meeting with Australia.

"We will have to play Japan, but we are just concentrating on the first game and then take each game one at a time after that," Haidar added.

"Every group is tough and all we can do is try our best."